By Tom Degun

glasgow 2014 cultureDecember 9 - Glasgow 2014 has unveiled a £4 million ($6.4 million/€5 million) fund for the cultural sector to celebrate the Commonwealth Games through a creative programme of events across Scotland.

The scheme invites individual artists, community-led groups and arts organisations to apply for awards from the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme Open Fund that could range from £20,000 ($32,080/€24,770) to £300,000 ($481,110/€371,580).

The projects can be new and one-off events or enhancements of an existing festival or programme of work.

They can feature in either or both the Scotland-wide programme Culture 2014, which focuses on the countdown to the Games amongst other events such as the Ryder Cup and the Edinburgh Festivals, and Festival 2014, which will transform the city during Games-time.

"We want passion and drama off the field of play - an exciting, ambitious and accessible programme of cultural events - to become a defining feature of how we host the Commonwealth Games," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg.

"Scotland's largest ever sporting and cultural event will be the perfect stage to showcase the creativity of the nation as we take Scotland to the Commonwealth and celebrate Commonwealth cultures on home soil."

Glasgow 2014 Opening CeremonyThe Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony will take place on July 23 2014 at Celtic Park

Successful proposals will demonstrate a compelling connection to the Commonwealth Games, link to the journey of the Queen's Baton Relay across Scotland or to other significant Games milestones such as one year to go to Glasgow 2014.

The bulk of cultural activity will take place between June 2014 and the end of August 2014, although it is anticipated that preliminary activity will take place in 2013 and early 2014.

The deadline for applications is February 22 2013.

"The ambitious Cultural Programme for Glasgow 2014 is proof that there's more to these Commonwealth Games than sport - it's a phenomenal opportunity to promote Scotland's modern and vibrant culture at home and on the world stage and to celebrate our place in the Commonwealth," said Scotland's External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf.

"As a national showcase of exceptional new work, it will offer innovative ways for audiences in Glasgow and across Scotland to see, experience and participate in our diverse cultures.

"This will help to strengthen, support and sustain our cultural sector by providing opportunities for artists and creative practitioners."

Applications can be made here.

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